On 10 September 2025, Women in Agriculture and Rural Development (WARD) members from all 20 wards of Dr AB Xuma Local Municipality convened in Ngcobo to elect a new local leadership structure. The gathering represented an important moment in strengthening the role of women in the agricultural sector and ensuring their continued representation at all government levels.
What Happened
The meeting, facilitated by the Department of Agriculture (DoA), brought together women farmers, cooperatives, and stakeholders across the municipality. The main agenda was the election of a new WARD (Women in Agriculture and Rural Development) structure, following the expiration of the previous committee’s term.
Attendees exchanged knowledge, shared project experiences, and reaffirmed their commitment to advancing women’s participation in agriculture. The newly elected structure will represent local women in critical departmental functions, including project screening and strategic planning, ensuring that their needs and voices are heard.
Official Response
Speaking at the event, Mr. Malusi, DoA District Deputy Director of Coordination, praised the women’s involvement and stressed the structure’s importance:
“WARD structures are key to promoting women’s active role in agriculture. Organizing yourselves per commodity and per ward ensures better coordination and visibility.”
He also encouraged women to view marketing as a tool for growth and sustainability in rural farming.
Ms. Makalima from the Department’s Chris Hani District SPU acknowledged the progress made by the outgoing committee and used the occasion to walk participants through the WARD constitution, reinforcing its importance in ensuring transparent and accountable governance.
“This structure exists to amplify the voice of rural women and ensure they are part of planning processes that directly affect their livelihoods,” she said.
Community Impact
The newly elected WARD committee in Dr AB Xuma Municipality is expected to play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between women-led farming initiatives and government support. As women continue to face economic and logistical challenges in rural farming, structures like WARD are essential in influencing project allocation, improving food security, and driving inclusive rural development.
Local farmers expressed renewed hope and determination, seeing the election as an opportunity to increase support for women-led projects.
